38 



SWINE PRACTICE 



pure-bred breeders do not provide sanitary conditions that are neces- 

 sary to the maintenance of the health of their swine. Some veter- 

 inarians apparently do not realize the necessity for sanitary sur- 

 roundings for successful swine breeding or feeding. "Anything is 

 good enough for swine," is an altogether too common maxim and 

 too frequently followed. 



The original wild hog is select in habits particularly as to its bed 

 and place for farrowing. Domesticated swine have been kept in 

 filth for so many generations that it is presumed by many that in- 

 sanitary surroundings are required for swine. 



The prime sanitary requisites for successful swine breeding and 

 feeding are: 1, housing; 2, properly drained lots; 3, equip- 

 ment that can be effectively cleaned; 4, feed and water; 5, quaran- 

 tine. 



The provision for shelter for swine is necessary, because nature 

 did not provide them with a coat of hair sufficient to protect them 

 against extreme weather conditions or sudden changes in tempera- 



Fig. 8. Box-type movable hog house, closed. (Cir. 102, U. S. Dept. Agri.) 



ture. Their thin coat of bristles is insufficient protection, particu- 

 larly in little pigs, to insure health. In the construction of hog 

 liouses the following points should be given consideration: location, 

 adaptability for the purpose desired, light, ventilation and con- 

 venience. The material for construction of hog houses necessarily 

 varies somewhat in different localities. The usual hog house, at 

 least the super-structure, is made of lumber. The old straw sheds, 



